LetTer

Lights at ski resort a problem

Peak Resorts, Inc., owner of the Crotched Mountain Ski Area, needs to recognize that its night skiing lights, aptly described as an “eyesore” in a recent Ledger edition, create a significant visual intrusion for hundreds of residents from Francestown to Hancock to Nelson. During the ski season, those lights flood our homes six nights a week, including two when the lights stay on until, no kidding, 3 am.

Peak Resorts was granted an approval for night skiing by the Francestown Planning Board. But, that approval was subject to the company’s meeting a list of conditions. It is widely believed that Peak neglected to comply with all of those conditions, including light shielding requirements.

Any “poor me” arguments made by this company are muted by the facts. Peak reported revenues of $98 million in 2011. Its own publication advertises, “We now operate more ski areas than any other company in the United States.” So, a claim of poverty has no credibility.

Corporate reputation and image matter, most acutely so in the resort industry. This company itself publicizes, “We pride ourselves on the integrity behind everything we do...” Peak Resorts is on the cusp of damaging its reputation and of being fairly accused of trying to roll Francestown. They should take the high road and fix this problem they have created with their neighbors. My suggestion is to turn the lights off at 9 p.m., and, in the spirit of good corporate citizenship, comply fully with all of Francestown’s conditions, including proper shielding of those lights.

Many, if not most, of us neighbors negatively impacted by these obnoxious lights would much prefer to root for the ski area’s success, in full recognition of its potential benefits for our area. Now, however, the company forces a different viewpoint.

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